O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life
of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

The light of Christ. Thanks be to God

We gathered around the bonfire to light the holy flame.

Each member held a flame from the Pascal candle.

The worship space is prepared for morning in California....

....and in Colorado!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

ALLELUIA!!

Comparing their Easter dresses. Too cute!

And the dapper gentlemen!

Lizzie, my worship partner during the late service.

What a sweetheart!

"Is my mouth clean?"

"I have eaten my fill."

"DONUT! I've eaten more than Homer!"

"I wanted to pour the maple syrup directly into

my mouth but they wouldn't let me do that."

Direct quote.

Hannah! Little stinker. She is SUCH a hoot.

No seriously. Look at that face! Sweet PEA!

Her brother, Simeon, our newest, little acolyte.

Easter Egg Hunt. Not TOO terribly difficult...

Geneva! One of my first and deepest supporters at Hope!

And then.....it was indeed finished.

I can't tell you how impactful it was to be a clergy person IN a collar during the worship services of Holy Week. Many of my colleagues reject the collar, saying it does nothing but draw lines between people.

I have to disagree - wearing the collar does a bunch of things for me: it signifies that I am outwardly willing to talk, discuss, and proclaim God in any and all ways. It also serves as a physical reminder to me of my responsibility to neighbor. Just when I get comfortable, this semi-restraint around my neck literally snaps me back into action.

Brenda Lynn

I'm 39 years into what I would consider a delightful life. I'm active in my church and faith community, enjoyed a career that kept me young, and am surrounded by loving friends and family. God is good! My life is amusing, full of drama and laughter - I am thankful and blessed!